Rock On! with Danny Coleman's entertainment picks

Welcome to my musical world! This is one man’s attempt to alert you to the best in area entertainment!

This week I have several “must see” shows, beginning with an event that takes place on Sunday beginning at 1 p.m. at The Ivy Tavern in Hamilton.

Local band and frequent mentions in this space Honey Spot Blvd. have put together a “Benefit For Sandy Hook Elementary School Students And Families” featuring some of the areas best bands. This event was born because the tragic event happens to hit close to home for HSB front woman Jessica Paris, who had a relative in a classroom very near to the shootings. “I have extended family who go to that school, they were in the class across from where the teacher hid all of those kids and then got shot herself,” said Paris. “My cousin was the one in that classroom, I saw her at Christmas, discussed with her my thoughts and what we were thinking of doing; she was obviously shaken up but touched by the gesture.”

Paris and the remaining members of HSB have put together a fantastic line up of musical acts to go along with a buffet and silent auction that will make up this six hour event. Deva Hairston kicks off the event at 1 p.m. followed by Papa Carl, Lisa Bouchelle, Chowder, Christine Martucci, Honey Spot Blvd., Charles Laurita Band and Soul Custody. Usually the participants and not the organizers of these such events, HSB broke new ground in their band’s history. “I, we have never done anything like this before,” said Paris. “I contacted all of the bands and they were all so quick to say yes, they were more than willing to do it.”

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The Ivy Tavern is located at 3108 South Broad St. in Hamilton and will be donating the buffet for the cause. Silent auction items include a guitar, a watch and a personal painting of Jessica’s. All of the profit from this benefit will go to the Newtown, Ct. Division Of Youth & Family Services who are providing free counseling to those effected by this tragedy. Admission is $20 and entitles one to all of the above and doors open at 12:45 p.m. and I have been asked to be the M.C.; so come on in and say hello!

In what was perhaps my toughest assignment to date, I was recently invited to cover “Wing Bowl 21” at The Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pa. This 21st annual wing eating contest is held every year on the Friday prior to Super Bowl Sunday and attracts crowds upwards of 20,000 strong.

I was told to pick up press credentials for myself and my “photo guy” anytime after 4 a.m.; yes that’s correct 4 a.m. I chose to sleep in a bit and arrived to the total carnage in the parking lot at approximately 5:30 a.m. The lots were transformed into one huge tailgate party that rivaled even the most serious of football enthusiasts.

Once inside we encountered lovely “wingettes” from Philly and surrounding area dancing/gentlemen’s club establishments, who were the escorts for each of the 27 participants and their entourages as they rolled onto the main floor of The Wells Fargo Center. We also encountered shaving cream wrestling and general mayhem as this mega party was just getting started.

This year Wing Bowl creators WIP Radio hosts Angelo Cataldi and Al Morganti decided to allow competitors from some of Philadelphia’s greatest sports rivals into the contest. Consequently, eaters from Washington, D.C., New York, Boston, Dallas and Chicago were all represented and entered the arena to true Philadelphia welcomes. Fifteen returning contestants and twelve new entrants next took their seats on the bi-level stage. South Jersey eater and 3X Wing Bowl Champion “Super Squibb” was an odds on favorite to regain his crown that has eluded him the last two years, while another south Jersey resident and possible favorite “US Male” was trying his best to ruin his chances.

When it was all said and done, the “Boston” contestant James “The Bear” McDonald of Granby, Ct. took home the title by the slim margin of only five wings. “The Bear” devoured 287 wings in approximately 30 minutes. For his efforts he was awarded with a cash prize of $20,000, a Wing Bowl 21 one of a kind championship ring, a gold medal, a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder S-L, a new Harley Davidson 883 Sportster and an all inclusive vacation to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Not a bad take for gorging oneself huh?

As stated, it was a tough one but I somehow managed to pull through it with only a stained hoodie; hey, the young lady needed someone to hug after her shaving cream wrestling victory and I just happened to be there. I look forward to “Wing Bowl 22”, I better start training immediately.

This weekend: Friday evening Rhyme & Reason will bring their Dave Matthews Band tribute to Pete’s Steak House in Hamilton. I have yet to see them but I’m told from many a reliable source that they are the real deal. Pete’s is always welcoming to new and different types of bands and with great drink prices and a terrific menu, always makes for a great night. Please do me a favor and stop by to see Rhyme & Reason and make sure to tell Rich that you heard it from me.

Also on Friday and Saturday, “Your Trenton Titans” take to the ice both nights with games against reading and Kalamazoo at the Sun National Bank Center. Afterwards on Saturday why not cruise right on down Hamilton Ave. and stop in at The Tir Na Nog. This favored Irish pub is now under new management and I’m told by Todd that music will once again be a primary focus. Chay Jenkins & Taylor Reed will be providing the entertainment and are a great duo. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen them but once agin I’m told that they just continue to get better and better. Look for more music and music related events to come from “The Nog” as the new ownership puts it’s stamp on “Billy Brigg’s old place.”

I welcome all thoughts, opinions and ideas for features. Please send them to rockonradio@hotmail.com and I’ll do my best to accommodate.

Until next week, please continue to support live and original music and the musicians who make it happen. ROCK ON!